Career
A diminutive forward, Anderson began his career with Darlington before moving to Thornaby Utopians. He became a professional in 1899 with Sheffield United and made four appearances in the First Division of the Football League over the next two years, scoring one goal. Anderson was transferred to Second Division side Woolwich Arsenal in December 1901.
The following season, he competed with Tim Coleman for a place in the team
Anderson was transferred to Southern League club Plymouth Argyle in the summer of 1903. Commonly known as Wattie, he was signed by Frank Brettell to form part of the Devon club"s first professional squad.
Two months later, Anderson contracted pneumonia. He carried on playing, ignoring doctors" advice that he should rest, and collapsed after a match against Fulham at Craven Cottage on 27 February 1904.
He was rushed to hospital and died four days later, at the age of 25.
He made 38 appearances in all competitions for Plymouth Argyle, scoring 13 goals. A memorial fund was created by the club in his honour and a souvenir handbook was published, which described Anderson as "one of the greatest, cleverest and whole-hearted players a club ever commanded.".